Pages

16 Mar 2015

Sunderland sack manager Gus Poyet after 4-0 home defeat

Sunderland have sacked manager Gus Poyet after 18 months in charge at the Premier League club.

The Uruguayan, who had missiles thrown at him during Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, took training this morning at the club’s training ground but was then sacked at a pre-arranged meeting with chief executive Margaret Byrne and the Sunderland board at lunchtime.

The Black Cats have won just once in 12 Premier League games, and none in their last seven, and are one point above the relegation zone after Saturday’s defeat at the Stadium of Light.

Chairman Ellis Short said: “I would like to thank Gus for his endeavours during his time at the club, in particular last season’s ‘great escape’ and cup final appearance, which will live long in the memory of every Sunderland fan. “Sadly, we have not made the progress that any of us had hoped for this season and we find ourselves battling, once again, at the wrong end of the table. We have therefore made the difficult decision that a change is needed.”

Former Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has blamed Short for the problems at the North-East club, saying that the board had too much say on transfer policy.

The Italian was sacked just six games into the 2013/14 campaign after saving the Black Cats from relegation the previous season.

“It’s not Poyet’s fault, because chairman Ellis Short is the real origin of all these troubles,” Di Canio told Fox Sports. “I saved Sunderland when the club was sinking, along with my staff. I completed a true miracle, on and off the pitch. “We tried to change the philosophy of the team. In the two previous years, no fines were given, despite players getting drunk and partying until late, even a few days before a match. “I was giving fines even for (players being) five minutes late. “It’s fundamental, to keep order in the dressing room. I took all the responsibilities, but my project was immediately cut off. “It was a choice which came from above. When I was the manager, two directors chose 16 players. “None of them are still at the club – neither the players, nor those directors.”